Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite

The Warlock’s Curse by C.B. Oresky finds two sisters drawn into an epic adventure after they move to a new house. When their parents move them into a rundown house, Clara and Angelica never expected that they would embark on the most extraordinary journey of their lives, taking them away from the bullying and judgmental sneers of the locals. Their adventure begins in the house they now call home where they meet ghosts and discover an ancestor’s secret access to another realm. Uncovering the secret sends them on an epic voyage where they encounter creatures of all kinds including unicorns, demons, and whales. In a fantasy come to life, the sisters train like warriors only to discover this is to prepare them to do battle against the evil agenda of a warlock.

The relationship between the sisters is at the heart of the story, taking on every aspect of the adventure together. Despite their closeness, their relationship is not perfect with the friction between them typical of real sibling dynamics. The incorporation of sisterly spats adds authenticity to the story and grounds the fantastical elements in reality. Despite their disagreements, the sisters work as a team and keep each other going, no matter what they encounter. They both find excitement in the adventure as it takes them away from their dreary lives and fulfills Clara’s wish for them to be superstars. Familial troubles are woven throughout, creating more reasons for them to want to go to another realm. The house creates the opportunity for their adventures and has a ghostly presence that connects them to their ancestors.

C.B. Oresky blends magic and adventure with an old Victorian house, a door to another realm, demons, ghosts, and travel by ship. The writing style brings this world to life with phrasing that adds a fantasy element. The Warlock’s Curse is a spellbinding adventure with magic, fighting, voyages, demons, and ghosts in a story that will capture children’s attention and draw them into an epic journey of imagination.

Reviewed by Shrabastee Chakraborty for Readers' Favorite

When Shawn woke up inside a moving carriage with no recollections of the last few days, his first thought was that someone had kidnapped him. Yet, did kidnappers use horse-drawn carriages and dress like they were from a different era? Shawn’s confusion escalated when they brought him to a school, of all places. Which school kidnapped their students and hosted an orientation ceremony that involved a beheading? As an institute that taught dead teenagers how to become proficient reapers and harvest souls, life in Wayward Academy was a deviation from what Shawn had considered normal. He decided to give this ‘life’ a chance until all hell broke loose when his first reaping assignment went awry. Read The First Assignment by Billy Kramer to find out what happens to Shawn.

With its intriguing premise, this young adult novel will surely appeal to anyone who loves fantasy and paranormal reads. The unique storyline immediately grabbed my attention. Kramer did a marvelous job with world-building, delineating the intricacies of the reaper community. An entire academy with its three interconnected factions and strict guidelines made for an interesting read. Kramer wasted no time diving headfirst into a complicated tale full of secrets, grudges, and betrayals. I liked how Kramer portrayed a grim subject like death in a new light. While the depressing job took its toll on the recently deceased teens, some spark of life still burned bright during this second chance. Teenage jubilance and humor, interspersed with grief and uncertainties, created a rare medley that prompted us to think about our purpose. If one missed the opportunity to make a difference while alive, shouldn’t one grab the chance to do so even when dead? I rooted for Shawn throughout his battle with death. The action scenes kept me glued to pages, the tension mounting high with each passing second. The First Assignment is a fantastic start to a promising new series, and I cannot wait to read the sequels.

Reviewed by Grant Leishman for Readers' Favorite

The Boy King’s Tale: True Adventure of the Young Life of England’s King Edward III by Michael January takes us back on a journey to medieval England at the beginning of the fourteenth century, told through the narrative of the eminent Royal Court Poet, none other than Geoffrey Chaucer. When Edward II is accused of unnatural acts by Queen Isobel, she, in concert with her lover, Mortimer, move against the king and seek his removal. The teenage Edward III is appointed as the “boy king”, with his mother as the Regent and the true power behind the throne, the evil Mortimer who has plans and designs on the throne for his own family. Forced to grow up quickly and accept the mantle thrust upon him from an early age, Edward III is determined to rule justly, honestly and with honor, adhering to the tenets of the great Charter signed by King John. In a country wracked by wars and division between the nobles, steering his own path with his limited powers as a minor will be a difficult task for the young king. Unusually for the time, Edward manages to make a love match for his marriage to the beautiful Philippa, cousin of the French king. Despite this being a marriage of love, it still gives Edward the opportunity to strive for the French crown to add to that of England’s. But he will soon discover he has enough battles to fight at home. Between fending off the evil intent of Mortimer and the acquiescence of his beloved mother, it will be a battle just to maintain the crown of England until he reaches his majority and outright rule.

I am a gigantic fan of historical novels deeply rooted in factual history and The Boy King’s Tale is certainly that. Author Michael January made an exceptional choice to tell the tale through the eyes of Geoffrey Chaucer, as this lent some real gravitas to the story and one could be forgiven for thinking one was reading a history book. The story is redolent with the intrigues, battles, and psychological warfare that was so typical of the day. Beautifully written and easy to read, the story flows easily from one drama to the next. The two main characters, in my opinion, were Edward III and Philippa, and both were drawn superbly by the author. In an era known for arranged marriages aimed at shoring up existing alliances and forging new ones, it was so refreshing to see two young people so in love and so devoted to each other. Edward’s morality and sense of honor, despite the betrayal and wickedness that surrounded him, shone through and it was enlightening for the time and allowed the reader to deeply empathize with his turmoil. His relationship with his mother, whom he loved dearly, would be deeply tested by the travails that would assail the king as he fought to maintain his crown against all the odds. For anyone that loves tales of knights, derring-do, and chivalry, this is a fantastic read but for anyone who just enjoys a rollicking good story, this is a book I can highly recommend.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

Praesidium is a work of fiction in the adventure subgenre and serves as the opening installment of the Shadows in the Wind series. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by author McKinley Aspen. The book follows college graduate Kathryn Bek as she takes an intelligence job in New York which quickly reveals itself to be something above and beyond her expectations. Thrown into a complex web of intrigue and magic, Kathryn finds herself on a globe-trotting adventure to save the world from the sinister plotting of the Paolucci crime family in a mission that will force her to confront her own murky past in order to save the future.

The characters and story of this book waste no time whatsoever in sinking their hooks deep into readers and keeping them on the edge of their seats as Kathryn delves deeper and deeper into the dangerous and fantastical world that awaits her. Author McKinley Aspen is a deft and clever storyteller, constantly finding new twists and turns to keep the narrative fresh with page after page as the lore designed reveals itself to character and reader alike. I was impressed by how narratively complete the events of the book were, telling a full and satisfying story whilst effectively setting the stage for a larger series to follow. Overall, Praesidium is an excellent adventure that creates a colorful cast of characters and pits them against a deep conspiracy in a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat right from the word go. I’m excited for the future of the series and I cannot recommend this book enough.

Reviewed by Edith Wairimu for Readers' Favorite

A heart-warming, coming-of-age story, The Girl with 35 Names by DJ Colbert follows Molly, a girl with a kind heart and special gifts. Molly is born in Zhitomir, a small village in Russia, in the cold winter of 1892. Surrounded by relatives and friends, Molly is given thirty-five names of women whose legacies she will carry forward. One day as she works with her parents, Molly discovers her great-grandmother’s special spectacles. As she grows up, Molly becomes curious about what each name given to her means. As she runs errands for her mother, she soon discovers the amazing stories of the women whose names she carries. Life continues beautifully until war comes to Zhitomir. At this point, Molly must escape Russia for America, with her new husband whom she barely knows. But her kindness and courage continue even in the new land.

The Girl with 35 Names by DJ Colbert instills kindness through its main character, Molly, who uses her gifts to help other people. In America, her role in the community is unforgettable as she changes the lives of those around her. Her curiosity to understand the meaning of each name given to her is also encouraging. Molly begins to understand what each name means and learns from the roles of these other women, which serves as a source of strength for Molly in her journey. The story is set in a beautiful, picturesque village as it begins. As the Red Army moves into the village and rumors of another war escalate, the atmosphere changes. Still, the frightening experiences bring out Molly’s courage as she and her husband face terrifying challenges along the way. The work’s language and tone are also accessible to young readers. The Girl with 35 Names is an absorbing story based on true events and whose main character is inspiring.

Reviewed by Emma Megan for Readers' Favorite

Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex: A Superhero High School Adventure by Carole P. Roman is a remarkable young adult novel about kids with special needs overcoming their handicaps and facing simple challenges of everyday life. Grady Whill and his best friend, Aarush Patel, hope they will be both handpicked to attend Templeton Academy, the most exclusive high school in the world. Templeton Academy only chooses kids with special talents. But because he is just an orphan with asthma, Grady doubts he will be selected as he doesn't have any special talent or money. Aarush and his nemesis, Elwood Bledsoe, have all the chances in the world. Aarush comes from a wealthy family and has a brilliant mind, and Elwood is a good athlete. Will Grady be picked?

If I were to give a book to every young adult in this world, I would give them Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex by Carole P. Roman without blinking. I absolutely loved every moment of this uplifting and fascinating story. It's filled with valuable life lessons, adventure, peril, and highly relatable and lovable characters. I was impressed by Aarush's maturity and ability not to give in to his bully. Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex is a must-read as it teaches you to have more confidence in yourself and tells you why failure is good, why size is no indication of strength, how thoughts become things, how looks can be deceiving, and where the ultimate source of power is hidden. Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex is for anyone looking for a true escape into a delightful story.

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

The Cavalier by Israh Azizi is a war fantasy epic and the first book in the new Heroes of the Empire series. The novel is narrated from multiple point of view characters with the main characters being an orphan turned warrior named Velemir and a princess of Karalik named Natassa, each on opposing sides. Velemir has been trained since early childhood at an academy, his education and training directed by the notorious combatant Lord Prolus who Velemir defers to as a father-like figure in his life. As a young man now, Velemir is sent on a mission against the Empire they are at war with and begins having recurring dreams. As the daughter of the bloodthirsty Emperor Malus, Princess Natassa is, like everyone else in the empire, subservient to her father. He has a husband lined up for her who is equally foul, but she knows too much about the prince, her father, and the danger their empire faces to accept this with the unquestioning loyalty demanded of her. Where her loyalty lies is with her people and her course of action is determined by this.

The Cavalier by Israh Azizi is a monster of a book and takes some time to unpack. It is an ambitious undertaking as the start of a series even by fantasy standards and, for the most part, Israh Azizi did well in keeping all the plates spinning. I like the perspective a reader is given with the narrative coming from opposing sides. Velemir is the primary protagonist and we spend a large amount of time in his camp, which I found to be a plus given that his ride-or-die crew adds to his likeability and authenticity of character. However, his arc is slower to build than Natassa's and, ultimately, getting to know her and her situation sooner had me leaning toward her plight and made her the most intriguing of the two. Having both Velemir and Natassa struggle with varied degrees of father issues makes this book a psychologist's dream fantasy and both manage in their own ways. Velemir is pretty dutiful and Natassa has been playing the long game to get far away from Malus' grip. Their coming of age in a war does wonders for providing options. The book ends on a cliffhanger and, no, an epilogue doesn't make that more palatable. Overall, though, this is a promising series and one I'd keep an eye on.

Reviewed by Amy Powers for Readers' Favorite

Dragon Twins: The Awakening is the first book in a new series by Chriss Bury that tells the story of orphaned Ambrose. He is already an outcast due to his belief that a dragon was responsible for the car accident that killed his parents, and his obsession with dragons and his persistence that dragons are real has further isolated him from everyone except his pet gecko. On his thirteenth birthday, Ambrose notices a big change in himself: super strength and visions as if he were seeing the world through the eyes of someone else. A dragon attack sends Ambrose fleeing for his life on an adventure to meet a long-lost twin sister and discover the truth about where he came from and what he is destined to do next.

Perfect for middle-grade readers and preteens who enjoy fantasy and the mythology of dragons, Dragon Twins tells the coming-of-age story about family, friendship, and believing in yourself. Chriss Bury has created realistic characters within a modern fantasy setting that everyone is sure to love. Preteens and young teenagers can easily relate to Ambrose's feelings of isolation and the desire to be free and find a place to fit in. His travels and discoveries across continents are also great for adventure lovers and those just wanting to escape the mundane world. With a fast-paced plot and lots of twists and turns around every corner, it is almost impossible to put this book down. I look forward to reading more of Ambrose's adventures and his newly discovered world of dragons.

Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite

The Translucent Boy and the Girl Who Dreamed She Could Fly is a work of fiction in the fantasy and adventures subgenres. It is intended for the young adult reading audience and was penned by author Tom Hoffman. Written as the third novel in the Translucent Boy Series, we find ourselves back with titular protagonist Odo Whitley and his newfound friends for another magical adventure. This time, an old woman being held against her will in a retirement home reveals an incredible secret, one which leads the team to discover an otherworldly quest filled with mysticism and danger. It won’t be easy, but together, they might just recover the fabled Spike of Odysseus from the hands of deadly thieves.

Author Tom Hoffman never fails to delight with this superb series, which perfectly packages a magical and mythical adventure alongside highly relatable teen characters with all the emotional drama that comes with their age group. I’ve always enjoyed reading this series, but this third installment really amps up the creep factor with some truly spine-tingling atmospheric touches and allies who are often as frightening and chaotic as the enemies of the story. There’s plenty for YA readers and adults alike to appreciate in the heartfelt characters, amusing dialogue, and the wonderful blend of original material and reworkings of ancient tales. The ending had me both in tears and on the edge of my seat. Overall, I would highly recommend The Translucent Boy and the Girl Who Dreamed She Could Fly and the series in general to fans of accomplished YA fantasy.

Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite

For eighteen years, Clover’s life has been close to perfect. Nothing ever goes wrong for this girl; it’s as if she’s a living good luck charm, like the four-leafed clover after which she was named. But, everything changes on her eighteenth birthday; everything she believed in and cared for suddenly takes a drastic turn, not necessarily for the better. As she grapples with this new, troubling reality, she has to come to terms with a faerie leprechaun, Finn, who has looked after her all these eighteen years. If what he says is true, a rogue faerie bent on jealous revenge is making her life almost forfeit to his treacherous plans of domination. Mix in a little bit of love and a whole lot of magic, and Clover’s life is a coming-of-age story from which legends are born.

Nicole Kilpatrick’s young adult novel, Clover, is all a fantasy novel promises. There is magic, fantastical spells (both good and evil), battles of good against evil, and a little bit of romance. The story follows two threads: Clover’s life as she turns eighteen and comes into her inheritance (such as it is), learning who she really is and what she wants out of life; and Alistair’s story, the rogue faerie who cast a spell on Clover before she was even born, holding both her and those she loves most captive in a complex, evil spell. As both stories unfold and converge, conflict ensues, and tension mounts. There are battles and adventures mixed with magic and spell-casting. As Clover learns more about herself and who she is, she matures and comes into her own as a strong female figure, one to be reckoned with. The luck of leprechauns, faeries, and pure magic, that’s what Ireland has to offer and so much more. This is a real page-turner and will capture the attention of teen readers and older readers—a very compelling and engaging read.